It's closing time: Japan's solar firms quit

摘要

When the Fukushima Daiichi disaster forced Japan to shy away from nuclear power, there was hope that solar and wind would gather momentum and become the nation's strong energy pillars. But both renewables seem to be wobbling as of late, with a record number of solar photovoltaic (PV) firms declaring bankruptcy and critics sounding the alarm on wind power's inability to achieve grid parity anytime soon. Scarce capital, plunging sales, and high system costs also pose risks to solar and wind growth in Japan, although recent developments like market liberalisation and virtual power plant subsidies will ensure a smoother road ahead for renewables expansion, according to analysts.